Executive Assistant (EA) to the Executive Director (ED)

Executive Assistant (EA)  to the Executive Director (ED) 

Who We Are

Achievement Prep is an award-winning public charter school network dedicated to empowering underserved communities in Southeast Washington, DC. Our mission is to prepare students to excel as high-achieving scholars and leaders, not only in school but also in life.

Our Values:

• All Scholars are Deserving: Every scholar receives an equitable, top-tier education
• Love is at the Core: We embrace authenticity while setting high expectations
• Exceptional Academic Results: Achieved through daily, data-driven, individualized learning
• Platinum Teachers are a Main Ingredient: YOU are the key to excellent outcomes for our scholars
• Families as Partners: Together, we do “three-generational work”

What You Will Do

The Special Assistant to the ED of Achievement Prep assists with the management of the day-to-day affairs of the ED’s office and maintains the systems of the network that are under the direct supervision of the ED. The position combines standard administrative and clerical duties with responsibility for leading special projects that require cross-functional engagement with various key stakeholders and overseeing marketing and communications for the organization. 

The EA communicates with the school’s constituencies on behalf of the ED and administers and directs tasks and projects as assigned by the ED.   The Assistant is responsible for the administration and management of the ED’s office including Board of Trustees-related activities, serving as a resource/contact for the members of the Board.  A major objective of the position is to optimize the ED’s efficiency and effectiveness through careful planning and organization.  This position provides a unique opportunity for an individual with superior planning, organization, critical thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills to play a central role in supporting the advancement of the organization’s priorities

Reporting to the Executive Director,  you will:

Executive Director (ED)  Office Management

• Manage the activities and projects emanating for the ED's office
• Handle and manage administrative and personal duties as assigned by ED (i.e., make appointments, run errands, scheduling etc.)
• Maintains all office operations for ED and communicates progress to ED
• Maintains the ED's calendar, scheduling individual appointments for the ED and other meetings as requested 
• Open, discard and distribute incoming mail; sending outgoing mail, as needed
• Serve as the first point of contact for all ED visitors
• Establish positive and professional communication at all levels including parents, teachers, staff, and board members
• Liaise with the Achievement Prep Board (ie files management , communication, attending and minute organization ) 
• Maintain the ED’s office files
• Draft and customize standard letters under the ED’s signature (acknowledgments, thank-you letters, etc.) 
• Handle other correspondence as directed by the ED using good judgment, discretion and acquired knowledge of the school community
• Edit, publish and distribute agendas, reports and minutes for recurrent and special meetings called by the ED 
• Organize various meetings and gatherings of school constituencies

Special Projects

• Lead or serve as a critical team player on network-wide projects related to key organizational initiatives as assigned by ED
• Work with ED and her direct reports in effort to have disciplined processes to create and track progress of assigned special project against organizational priorities and goals
• Support the ED workflow management – providing capacity for the organization by taking ownership of key cross-functional tasks, projects, or initiatives
• Assist the ED with new initiatives and priorities as they arise

Marketing and Communications

• Develop and oversee a marketing and communications plan, including a social media plan, which targets external audiences, including donors and prospective funders, and articulates Achievement Prep’s mission, vision, accomplishments and programs

• Design and produce or manage production of all collateral materials and major publications, including the Annual Report, the Network’s website, letters to constituents from the ED, and working with designers and printers to promote the network and it’s goals and activities
• Coordinate communications and branding strategy with all programmatic efforts
• Identify opportunities to heighten awareness of Achievement Prep by generating press coverage for release of key reports and program initiatives
• Participate with school leadership in communications planning around message, branding and public relations
• Serve as a spokesperson and external representative for Achievement Prep, at the request of the ED

“Wind In The Sails” Support for Schools

• Provide leadership to all staff and scholars in establishing a positive, structured, and achievement-oriented school culture 
• Participate regularly in projects and initiatives that integrate Network Office staff into schools
• Support “all-hands-on-deck” times of for schools: beginning of school year, standardized testing, all school assemblies, etc.
• Maintain a culture centered on our ethos and core values of Determination, Respect, Enthusiasm, Accountability, and Mastery
• Exhibit an unwavering commitment to high academic achievement and character development in our scholars
• Receive continuous feedback from peers and school leaders on your practice and be expected to give the same
• Manage time, tasks, deadlines and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment and hold others accountable for the same

Be willing to take on additional responsibilities as necessary to fulfill Achievement Prep’s mission for our scholars 

You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2+ years of experience serving in an administrative, communications, or project management capacity

It Would Be Nice for Your to Have

• Prior experience as an executive/special assistant to a senior leader
• Experience in underserved communities

Is this YOU?

You are a mission-driven educator who believes in the power of education. You are committed to making a difference in underserved communities. You value a quality public education for all and are dedicated to serving every child. You are results-driven and an expert in your content area, constantly seeking ways to improve. You respect timelines and embrace feedback, knowing the mission isn't easy but energizes you. You thrive in ambiguity and find joy in the day-to-day.

You recognize that you are an extension of the most senior leader of the organization, and you take that responsibility very seriously.  You are above reproach and maintain confidentiality at all times.  You thrive in an environment where you are able to manage different projects and tasks at the same time.  You respect timelines and know that meeting the same are not optional or to be taken for granted.  You are open to feedback, eager to grow, and bring your best to everything you do.  You know the work isn’t easy and don’t expect for it to be.  The grind of our mission ignites you.  You are not only capable of performing but thrive in circumstances involving ambiguity and nuance.  You look for or create the joy in your day-to-day and want to work with others who do, too. 

Why Work With Us?

Our teachers are worth more than gold, they’re platinum!

• Development: Teachers receive ongoing (weekly or bi-weekly) development from school leaders:
  • Formal and informal observations and feedback
  • 1:1 meetings to discuss teaching practice, scholar data, curriculum, and goals
  • Content team meetings
  • Wednesday afternoon professional development tailored to teacher needs
  • $150 Classroom Reimbursement fund
• Compensation & Benefits: Achievement Prep offers highly competitive compensation and benefits
  • Generous medical, vision, and dental benefits
  • Flexible spending accounts for transit, dependent care, and medical expenses
  • 401K plan with immediate employer matching up to 4%
  • 44-60 days of Paid Time Off, including holidays, break periods, sick, and personal time
  • Wellness benefits including reimbursements for gym, massages, counseling, etc.
• It Pays to Stay:  Upon completion of 2 full school years of service, employees become eligible for annual loyalty incentives
  • Personalized gifts and Achievement Prep swag
  • Compensation Bonuses

Achievement Prep encourages individuals of all identities and backgrounds to apply for this position. We are an equal opportunity employer fully committed to hiring a talented and diverse group of individuals. Achievement Prep does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law.